In a move that seemed promising at first, the Washington Commanders are now likely to release veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore this offseason. However, the financial relief might not be as significant as fans hope.
The acquisition of Lattimore was a bold statement by the Commanders, but it quickly turned sour. Injuries, including a torn ACL, plagued Lattimore throughout the 2025 season, and his performance didn't match the high expectations set when he was traded from the New Orleans Saints.
One silver lining was that general manager Adam Peters opted not to extend Lattimore’s contract, making it easier to part ways. Initial projections suggested cutting Lattimore could free up $18.5 million in cap space without any dead money. However, David Harrison of WUSA9 has hinted that the actual savings might be closer to $15.5 million, possibly involving a $3 million injury settlement.
Lattimore's inconsistent play, despite a few standout performances, made him a target for opposing offenses. The potential $3 million payout due to injuries adds another layer of frustration to this ill-fated trade. There’s also speculation about the possibility of releasing him due to recent legal issues, but nothing is certain.
This misstep stands in contrast to Peters' successful trades for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel Sr., as well as the savvy deal involving Jahan Dotson. Unfortunately, the Lattimore acquisition didn’t pan out as hoped, and the Commanders may still face financial repercussions from this decision.